Selena woke up past eight in the morning, the sunlight streaming gently through the tall windows of her room. The mansion was quiet, almost too quiet. She rubbed her eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to shake off the lingering tension from last night.
She had survived the first night, but the weight of her situation pressed down on her chest. Three months. That's all. She had to follow the rules, stay composed, and remember why she was here—her mother's life.
Adjusting to Mansion Life
After a quick breakfast delivered to her room, Selena stepped into the hallway, trying to navigate the sprawling mansion without breaking any rules. Every corner felt unfamiliar, every hallway echoing her small footsteps.
She paused by the living room, noticing how perfect and cold everything looked—luxury everywhere, yet not a hint of warmth. Her eyes briefly scanned the room, and for a second, she felt a pang of loneliness.
Suddenly, a soft voice echoed from the hallway.
"Good morning."
Selena turned to see Jace standing there, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable.
"You slept in," he said simply, his eyes sharp.
"I… I didn't mean to," Selena replied softly.
"You have rules to follow," he reminded her. "Breakfast time ends at eight. Not past it."
Selena nodded, trying to hide her irritation. He's impossible… But she swallowed her pride. She couldn't afford conflict… not yet.
Later, while arranging her room, Selena noticed a locked drawer in the desk. Curiosity prickled at her, but she forced herself to step back. Not her business, she reminded herself. Jace's rules weren't suggestions—they were strict, and she couldn't afford trouble.
As she turned around, she caught him observing her from the hallway. My mind race cause I didn't know that my room door was open.
His presence made her pulse quicken, a strange mix of fear and… something else she couldn't name.
"You shouldn't be wandering around aimlessly," he said, his voice low but commanding.
Selena's stomach fluttered. "I… I'm just trying to get used to this place," she admitted.
"Be careful," he warned. "Curiosity can get you into trouble. And this house… it doesn't forgive mistakes easily."
A Quiet Afternoon
By afternoon, Selena found herself sitting near the window, staring at the city below. The mansion was silent except for the faint hum of activity in distant rooms. She wondered how she would survive these three months, living with a man so cold, precise, and intimidating.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the soft click of the door. Jace appeared, holding a glass of water.
"Drink," he said simply.
Their fingers brushed, and Selena felt her chest tighten. She averted her eyes, trying to ignore the flutter of something dangerous—something she wasn't supposed to feel.
"Three months," he said quietly. "Do not forget why you're here."
Selena nodded, swallowing hard. "I won't."
As he left the room, she realized one thing clearly: surviving the mansion would be harder than she imagined—but her heart… might be the most dangerous battlefield of all.